(119) Magic Island - A Second Return Is Planned

Summary

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Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode 119: Magic Island - A Second Return Is Planned
Date: June 14, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio features a rebroadcast of "Magic Island," focusing on the group’s urgent plans to make a second return to the enigmatic underwater city of Euclidea. Set in Hollywood, the suspense-laden narrative revolves around Mrs. Gregory, Captain Tex Bradford, and their companions as they prepare to rescue the inhabitants and safeguard vital scientific knowledge, all while contending with fast-diminishing time and escalating danger.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Urgent Situation in Hollywood ([00:30]–[01:10])

• The group reconvenes at Mrs. Gregory's home/laboratory in Hollywood after a successful but perilous venture.
• Context: Their plane has covertly landed and is submerged in Lake Hollywood to avoid detection.
• Plans for a rapid expedition to reclaim Euclidea are underway, but time constraints and logistical challenges threaten their mission.

2. The Scientific Solution ([01:11]–[01:58])

• Captain Tex Bradford and Johnson are working on a "formula" (a chemical concoction) intended to destroy the underwater city’s infrastructure—only as a last resort.
• The method involves releasing the formula via a steel airlock at the volcano’s crater, flooding Euclidea if necessary.
• Mrs. Gregory insists on a humanitarian approach: "Don't think that we intend to shut all of those people up in that place and flood them" ([02:16], Mrs. Gregory).

3. The Fate of the Euclideans ([02:24]–[03:11])

• Mrs. Gregory reveals a plan to resettle the Euclideans at a private college under supervision, hoping their scientific expertise can benefit the world:

  "I propose to establish those Euclideans on that property under constant guard, of course, and let them work on their inventions."
  (Mrs. Gregory, [02:54])

• Johnson and the team debate the risks and ethical considerations of relocating 250+ Euclideans.

4. The Clock Is Ticking ([03:13]–[03:59])

• The submarine locks sealing Euclidea are only magnetized for a short time—no more than 24 hours, according to their Euclidian ally, Elaine.
• However, it will take at least a week for the rescue steamer to reach Euclidea, creating a critical timing mismatch and increasing risk of losing the Euclideans and their leader, G47.

5. Elaine’s Mysterious Plan ([04:00]–[04:45])

• Elaine, the Euclidean girl commander, has a bold plan to remedy the situation, insisting:

  "This plan of mine has elements of danger in it."
  (Elaine, [06:13])

• Elaine’s experience visiting an American store serves as a moment of levity and character insight—she is depicted as resourceful and principled, refusing gifts until she has "rendered some little service." ([07:07], Elaine)

6. The High-Stakes Proposal ([07:53]–[09:21])

• Elaine proposes she and Captain Bradford return immediately to Euclidea in the rocket plane, carrying the formula and provisions.
• The reason for only two passengers: the rocket plane is low on fuel and was overloaded on the initial journey ([09:00]–[09:12], Elaine).
• The mission: To suspend containers of the formula on the crucial submarine locks—to either maintain control or disable the city should the Euclideans break free.

7. The Risks and Consequences ([09:42]–[10:16])

• The rest of the group will follow at sea, hoping to evacuate the Euclideans before disaster.
• There’s grave concern about what could happen if Bradford and Elaine's plane falls short, or if the Euclideans escape:

  "Their motives for revenge would lead them into almost anything."
  (Mrs. Gregory, [10:30])

8. Final Preparations and Assignments ([10:56]–[11:57])

• Johnson, Jerry, Mrs. Gregory, and Joan will lead the sea rescue.
• The group splits up to gather supplies, with urgency permeating their final words:

  "Well, it looks like this is our last try at capturing G47. And with a little luck, we'll make it."
  (Captain Tex Bradford, [11:57])

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Memorable Quotes

• "If we release this formula there, it will eat its way down into the underwater city and promptly flood the whole place."
  — Captain Tex Bradford ([01:59])

• "I propose to establish those Euclideans on that property under constant guard, of course, and let them work on their inventions."
  — Mrs. Gregory ([02:54])

• "You can't just bring them back and turn them loose in this country."
  — Johnson ([02:24])

• "This plan of mine has elements of danger in it."
  — Elaine ([06:13])

• "I hope you will understand my position, Mrs. Gregory. You are more than kind... I should prefer to wait until our mission is accomplished. Then I may feel that I have rendered some little service to Mother."
  — Elaine ([07:07])

• "You and I will return to Euclidea at once in the rocket plane, Captain Bradford."
  — Elaine ([08:41])

• "With only two of us aboard, we have a chance to reach the location of Euclidean."
  — Elaine ([09:10])

• "Well, it looks like this is our last try at capturing G47. And with a little luck, we'll make it."
  — Captain Tex Bradford ([11:57])

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Important Timestamps

• [00:30] — Setting the scene: The laboratory meeting in Hollywood.
• [02:54] — Mrs. Gregory’s plan for the Euclideans’ future.
• [03:27] — Time crisis: Locks can’t remain magnetized for more than 24 hours.
• [04:00] — Elaine’s imminent arrival and her mysterious “wild” idea.
• [06:13] — Elaine’s warning about the danger in her plan.
• [07:07] — Elaine’s principled refusal of gifts.
• [08:41] — Elaine’s proposal for a swift and risky return to Euclidea.
• [09:10] — Logistical explanation: only two on the rocket plane.
• [10:30] — Stakes become clear: the danger the Euclideans’ escape poses.
• [11:57] — The team’s final resolve and urgency before departure.

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Tone and Style

• The episode is suspenseful and driven by a sense of urgency, with a balance of technical discussion and emotional moments among the principal characters.
• Emotional undertones include duty, self-sacrifice, and ethical responsibility, particularly highlighted in Elaine’s humility and Mrs. Gregory’s empathy.

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Conclusion

In this pivotal "Magic Island" episode, plans for a second, high-risk return to Euclidea are finalized. With only hours to act before the underwater city's fate is sealed, and with lives and scientific secrets in the balance, Captain Bradford and his allies demonstrate ingenuity, resolve, and compassion. The episode leaves listeners poised for a dramatic showdown—will this desperate gambit succeed, or will G47 and his cohort slip away once more?

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Transcript

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[Narrator]

Hollywood, California. That may seem a strange place to learn anything about the Magic island, but Hollywood is the scene of our story for today. The Euclidean girl submarine commander has landed her rocket plane safely on Lake Hollywood in a fog. The plane was allowed to sink slightly below the surface, so it might not be discovered until our friends want it again. Mrs. Gregory's home is now a busy place with plans being rushed for the expedition to capture Euclidea. However, it looks as if things are not going any too well. We see Captain Tex Bradford, Mrs. Gregory and their right hand man Johnson, talking in the Gregory home. They're in the small room which Captain Bradford uses as his chemical laboratory.

[Mrs. Gregory]

But Tex, it simply won't do any good.

[Captain Tex Bradford]

Even if it looks that way, we've got to keep trying.

[Johnson]

I agree with the captain, Mrs. Gregory. We must compound as much of the Captain's formula as possible in a short space of time, then continue our plans to return to Euclidea.

[Mrs. Gregory]

But Johnson, what good will that do? Elaine has admitted that the submarine locks on that underwater city can't possibly stay magnetized more than a day or two at the most. Now, I've chartered the fastest private steamer on the west coast, but it will take a full week to arrive at the location of the Magic island.

[Captain Tex Bradford]

I know all that, Pat and I may be wasting my time, but we can't hope to take that place over with anything but this formula. And I've made up a lot of it.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Is it ready now, Dex?

[Captain Tex Bradford]

Yes. There's enough of this liquid ready to destroy every inch of Euclidea.

[Johnson]

Well, just how are you going to use it, Captain?

[Captain Tex Bradford]

We haven't had a chance to explain it to you, Johnson, but there's a small steel room, sort of an airlock, way up inside one edge of the crater of that old volcano. If we release this formula there, it will eat its way down into the underwater city and promptly flood the whole place.

[Mrs. Gregory]

However, Johnson, don't think that we intend to shut all of those people up in that place and flood them I've chartered this steamer to take them all off that location.

[Johnson]

Well, of course, you don't want to harm them if you can help it. And it would be too bad if all of those great scientific minds were lost to the world. But what are you going to do with them? You can't just bring them back and turn them loose in this country.

[Captain Tex Bradford]

We don't intend to. Pat has been out calling on some of her influential friends and I believe raise enough money to put over a very ambitious plan. That right, Pat?

[Mrs. Gregory]

Yes, Dex. I had no trouble at all raising the money. We've decided to take over the buildings and grounds of a little private college near here. The property was for sale and we really got it as a very reasonable figure. Now, I propose to establish those Euclideans on that property under constant guard, of course, and let them work on their inventions.

[Johnson]

See, that's a great idea, Mrs. Gregory. Their knowledge can be used for benefit to the world without the danger of their using their power in the wrong direction.

[Mrs. Gregory]

No. Yes, that's my idea.

[Captain Tex Bradford]

I hope it works out all right.

[Johnson]

Well, now, as I understand it, this girl submarine commander who brought you home, she left the Euclidean submarine locks magnetized.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Yes, and while they stay that way, Euclideans are helpless.

[Johnson]

But just how long will the magnetism remain effective?

[Captain Tex Bradford]

That's our trouble, Elaine. The girl commander said that we couldn't hope for more than 24 hours.

[Johnson]

It will take a week at least to get down there with a steamer large enough to take them all off.

[Mrs. Gregory]

And there are over 250 Euclideans.

[Captain Tex Bradford]

Yes, and if we don't have something ready to replace that magnetism, Euclidia will be empty in 24 hours. G47 will lead his men out of there. They'll establish another colony at some other place.

[Johnson]

Well, if I didn't know you so well, I'd say it was hopeless. But I know that you haven't worked all night compounding this formula for nothing.

[Captain Tex Bradford]

You're right, I haven't.

[Mrs. Gregory]

But, Tex, I can't see where we have the slightest chance to use that formula.

[Captain Tex Bradford]

Well, that girl commander will be here in a few minutes. She has an idea. Must be a wild one as well. There's only time for a wild one to help us any. But whatever it is, she says it will work, and I'm going to listen to her.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Does she know how to find this room?

[Captain Tex Bradford]

I told her we'd meet her in the living room. She ought to be back any minute now.

[Mrs. Gregory]

I told them to hurry, but Jerry and Joan may be having trouble with her trouble?

[Johnson]

Well, if she's not trustworthy, why did you let Jerry and Joan go out with her?

[Mrs. Gregory]

Not that sort of trouble, Johnson. Jerry and Joan are taking Elaine on her first visit to a real store and they may have trouble getting her out of there.

[Johnson]

Well, I wouldn't call that very serious.

[Captain Tex Bradford]

It wouldn't be if we had any time to spare. But as it is, it can be mighty serious if that girl doesn't get back here soon with her idea.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Is it safe to leave your formula here while we go into the living room?

[Captain Tex Bradford]

Oh, perfectly safe.

[Johnson]

Well, I'll stay here and watch if you want me to.

[Captain Tex Bradford]

Never mind. You'd better be with us when Elaine outlines her idea.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Yes, there may be a part in it for you.

[Johnson]

Well, I certainly hope so. It's not very exciting to sit at home with a radio set and. But you have all the experiences.

[Captain Tex Bradford]

Maybe not, Johnson. But you've saved us a couple of times by that very same sitting at home. Who's there?

[Jerry]

It's Jerry.

[Captain Tex Bradford]

Okay, Jerry. Just a minute.

[Mrs. Gregory]

That means they're safely home.

[Captain Tex Bradford]

Come on in, kid.

[Jerry]

Gee, what goes on? We got this place all locked up.

[Captain Tex Bradford]

We just finished my. Wait a minute. Joan and the girl commander with you?

[Jerry]

Well, we came back together. They're waiting in the living room.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Did you have any trouble getting Elaine out of the stores?

[Jerry]

She was walking in her sleep.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Why, Jerry.

[Captain Tex Bradford]

Sorry, Pat, but I'll have to interrupt this. Now, let's get on with this idea. Time is precious now.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Of course. Tex, come on. Jerry, you and I'll go into the living room. Tex and Johnson will follow as soon as they lock up the laboratory.

[Captain Tex Bradford]

While you're there, make sure we're alone.

[Mrs. Gregory]

I will. I'll send the servants away on some errands.

[Jerry]

Oh, Joan's already done that, Mrs. Gregory.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Joan has?

[Jerry]

Yes, she figured you might want some privacy so she thought up a lot of silly things for them to do and they started doing them.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Well, good for Joan. She'll soon be able to manage this home as well as I do.

[Joan]

Are you speaking of me, Mother?

[Mrs. Gregory]

Yes, Joan, dear. Jerry tells me you've guaranteed our privacy for a while.

[Joan]

I thought it advisable. Elaine has told me something of her plan and it seemed wise to discuss it where we could not be overheard.

[Elaine]

I did advise Joan to exercise all caution. This plan of mine has elements of danger in it.

[Jerry]

You're all too nervous about this thing. There's no more Euclideans in Hollywood.

[Joan]

You do not know that.

[Mrs. Gregory]

No, Jerry. We know very little about the Euclideans.

[Elaine]

It is as well to use care. Where is Captain Bradford?

[Mrs. Gregory]

Oh, he'll be here in a minute or two. He's with Johnson locking up the laboratory. And while we're waiting for them, tell me something about your visit to the stores.

[Elaine]

It was very exciting.

[Jerry]

Boy, it must have been. All you did was stand around in front of counters and hold a lot of cloth and ribbons in your hand.

[Elaine]

It was the first time I have ever felt such fabric.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Of course, Elaine. I can understand how you felt.

[Joan]

Elaine would not, pray, purchase anything, Mother. I tried to persuade her to bring home a dress or a coat or something for herself, but she refused.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Why was that, Elaine?

[Jerry]

Oh, she figured that she didn't want to spend any of your money and Joan and I couldn't talk her out of it.

[Elaine]

I hope you will understand my position, Mrs. Gregory. You are more than kind in giving me the freedom of your lovely home. I should prefer to wait until our mission is accomplished. Then I may feel that I have rendered some little service to Mother.

[Joan]

I have tried to reason with Elaine, but it is without effect. She feels that she must earn your money before she can accept any of it.

[Elaine]

I am sorry if that is not correct for your world.

[Jerry]

What's correct for anybody's world? But I never heard of anybody wearing so much about taking money before.

[Mrs. Gregory]

It is unusual, Jerry. But Elaine is right, and I appreciate how she feels. We'll fix that later.

[Captain Tex Bradford]

Come right on in, Johnson. I see everybody's here. We'll get right down to business.

[Mrs. Gregory]

If you'll sit over here, Johnson.

[Johnson]

Thank you.

[Captain Tex Bradford]

I'll sit here by the door and leave it open. All right, Elaine, what's the idea?

[Elaine]

Your formula is complete, ready to go. Is it possible to suspend your containers in the water?

[Captain Tex Bradford]

Sure, if the depth isn't too great. The containers are naturally made of glass so that they may be broken and allow the halves of the formula to run together.

[Jerry]

Well, yeah, but that stuff won't be much good underwater. That is, it would get too weak to do any good.

[Captain Tex Bradford]

That's right, Jerry. The only way it could be used underwater is. Would be to suspend it against some metallic substance it would eat through before dilution became too great.

[Elaine]

That is my idea. If my calculations are correct, we have less than six hours of safety at any time. After that, the Euclideans may succeed in freeing those submarine locks of the magnetism I imposed.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Six hours. Why, we can't get down there in less than six days.

[Joan]

But wait until you hear Elaine's plan, Mother.

[Captain Tex Bradford]

Let's have it, Elaine. Six hours sounds mighty short to me.

[Elaine]

You and I will return to Euclidea at once in the rocket plane, Captain Bradford.

[Jerry]

Hey, what about the rest of us?

[Elaine]

You will follow in the boat which is to return the Euclideans to this country.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Oh, I hate to think of you running into danger while we sit safely on a big boat.

[Captain Tex Bradford]

Well, if Elaine has it figured out, let's have it on. There must be some reason for just two of us going.

[Elaine]

There is a good and sufficient reason. In the first place, the rocket plane was badly overloaded coming up here and the fuel is running low. With only two of us aboard, we have a chance to reach the location of Euclidean.

[Captain Tex Bradford]

That sounds reasonable.

[Jerry]

Sounds dangerous too, if you think you've only got a chance to land there.

[Mrs. Gregory]

I don't like that.

[Joan]

I would prefer to accompany them, Mother, but I believe Elaine knows best.

[Captain Tex Bradford]

Well, go on, Elaine. What's your plan?

[Elaine]

You and I will go at once, Captain. We will have fuel enough to reach there, I think, and provisions for at least a week. All we have to do is suspend containers of your formula against the submarine locks and on top of the escape lock we used and float there on the surface until the boat arrives.

[Jerry]

You know, I could be a lot of help if I went along.

[Elaine]

Possibly. And your weight might be the deciding factor if we run out of fuel short of our goal.

[Mrs. Gregory]

But, Elaine, suppose. Well, suppose you do run out of fuel anyway and have to land before you reach Euclideia.

[Captain Tex Bradford]

We'll just land on the course you'll follow with a boat, float around there until you come down and pick us up. Euclideans will escape, but we can't help that.

[Joan]

I think their escape is not as serious as what they would do to you if they found you floating helplessly on the water.

[Jerry]

Gee, I never thought of that.

[Mrs. Gregory]

I did, Jerry, and it isn't a pleasant thought.

[Elaine]

We have no alternative if we ever hope to capture those scientists.

[Captain Tex Bradford]

That's right, Elaine. If they get away from us this time, they'll destroy that city as they leave, move to some other out of the way place and start another colony.

[Joan]

In addition to which, they will do immeasurable harm in this world.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Yes, their motives for revenge would lead them into almost anything.

[Jerry]

Well, it looks like Elaine's plan is the only one. I wish I could go along.

[Johnson]

So do I, Jerry. I've stayed at home long enough through all of this excitement.

[Captain Tex Bradford]

Sorry, Johnson, but we'll have to leave you again. This time, however, you'll have Mrs. Gregory, Jerry and Joan to take care of. And you'll be in charge of the rescue boat.

[Johnson]

Well, that'll help some.

[Joan]

And we will make the trip in our boat as rapidly as possible.

[Jerry]

I'll say we will.

[Captain Tex Bradford]

How long will it take to raise that plane of yours, Elaine?

[Elaine]

Only a matter of moments. I will make a short dive under the water and turn on the exposed helium valve. The shell will be re inflated and the ship will rise rapidly.

[Mrs. Gregory]

But it's broad daylight. We'll be seen at Lake Hollywood.

[Captain Tex Bradford]

I know it. But there isn't a thing in the world we can do about it. Elaine says we haven't more than six hours.

[Elaine]

I am sure the Euclideans will be free shortly after that time.

[Captain Tex Bradford]

And it will take us a little over four hours to fly down there. Let's go.

[Johnson]

Now what do we do?

[Captain Tex Bradford]

You get the formula. All of it, except one set of containers which you can bring on the boat with you.

[Jerry]

Can I do anything, Captain?

[Captain Tex Bradford]

Help Johnson load that stuff in the car and keep your eyes open in the driveway.

[Jerry]

Aye, aye, sir. Come on, Johnson.

[Johnson]

Right with you, Jerry.

[Mrs. Gregory]

What can I do?

[Captain Tex Bradford]

Tex, you and Joan get some warm clothes ready for Elaine. We're going to need them for we've got a lot of diving to do.

[Joan]

I wish I might go with you, Captain.

[Captain Tex Bradford]

I know that Joan, you and Jerry's been a big help plenty of times, but I'll have to go this time without you.

[Mrs. Gregory]

You keep in touch with us, won't you, Tex?

[Captain Tex Bradford]

Why, sure. The minute we land at Euclidia, we'll radio you and you'd better shove off with that boat the minute we leave.

[Mrs. Gregory]

I'll call the crew to stand by. Right now. They're all waiting for the call.

[Captain Tex Bradford]

Well, it looks like this is our last try at capturing G47. And with a little luck, we'll make it.

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